They are the UK’s quickest and most sought after new driveway installation, I will try and answer the most popular questions so you can make an informed decision as to whether one is for you.
- What is a resin driveway?
- How much does a resin bound driveway cost?
- What colours do resin driveways come in?
- How do I maintain a resin driveway?
What Is A Resin Driveway?
It is a surface made from different aggregate in varying sizes from 1-3mm up to 5mm, the aggregate is mixed with a 2 part resin compound until each piece of stone is covered, this mixture is then poured on to the prepared surface and hand trowelled until smooth and level.
There are numerous advantages to having a drive like this is its strength, durability and its hard wearing. The resin functions as a binder, keeping the aggregate materials intact and forming a sturdy surface that can endure heavy loads and regular traffic. As a result, it is an excellent choice for homes that experience frequent use or have multiple vehicles parked at them, they also offers low maintenance, and an attractive finish.
Suds Compliant Installations
This type of system aims to mimic natural draining processes by allowing water to be absorbed into the ground, infiltrated into pervious surfaces, or stored for later use rather than simply being discharged into sewers or watercourses.
Compliance with these regulations ensures that development projects and infrastructure are designed and implemented with permeable sustainable drainage principles in mind.
There are in essence 3 different types of resin bound gravel system installations, each of which are listed below and each of which has its own associated costs
Resin Bound Driveway System – Full Excavation
The entire area will be excavated to a depth of between 250-300mm, this is when the perimeter has its edge installed (generally block paving) then the full area is backfilled with compacted hardcore, a tarmac binder base of a minimum of 50mm is then applied before a final surface course of 20mm of UV stable resin bound stone.
Full excavation costs are normally installed on a cost per square metre price which is fully inclusive of all materials and labour including the plant equipment and rubbish removal.
The range is normally between £120 – £150 per m² however this can vary depending on the size of the area in question.
Resin Bound-Overlay
This out of the 2 types of installations are the most cost effective as the original surface such as asphalt or concrete can be used as the binder course and then resin bound gravel goes directly on top of that.
There is some prep work to do before any mixture goes on, this is generally grinding out 20mm x 150mm around the perimeter, in some cases bore holes can be drilled for extra drainage, pressure washing the rest of the surface then completing any repairs that may be needed to leave a nice clean level surface.
Once the above has been completed the the resin bound gravel can be laid in the same way as a fully excavated installation.
The costs again are based on a price per metre basis and these come in at around £80 – £100m² fully installed.
Bonded
This is by far the cheapest of options but not one we would recommend, the installation process is a very simple one, the area is pressure cleaned to begin with, a resin mix is then applied over the surface and the aggregate is scattered onto the resin and allowed to dry, any loose gravel is then swept up and removed.
Costs associated with this type of installation are between £50-£80 per m²
If you are into DIY, resin kits are available.
| Type Of Resin Installation | Price Per Square Metre |
| Bound Full Excavation | £90-£150 |
| Bound Overlay | £80-£100 |
| Bonded | £50-£80 |
| Kits DIY | £38 – Per Square Metre |
You’ll find there are a range of colours offer a wide range of options to match your home’s exterior style and personal preferences. Whether you’re looking for a rustic charm or a modern edge, there’s a style to suit your vision.
Let’s talk practicality. They aren’t just about aesthetics. They’re also durable, withstanding high levels of foot and vehicle traffic. They do not fade easily, maintaining its vibrancy even in harsh weather conditions. This means less maintenance for you and a constant, pleasing curb appeal for your home.
Choosing the right shade can also enhance your property’s value. A frontage that complements your home’s exterior can create a harmonious look, making your property more attractive to potential buyers. So, you’re not just choosing a style to park your car on, you’re investing in your home’s future.
It’s about making a choice that you’ll love every time you pull into your drive.
Popular Choices For Resin drives
In terms of selecting a colour for your your new surface, popular choices range from neutral tones like Beige and Chestnut. Neutral tones offer a classic, timeless look that easily complements any surrounding landscape or architectural style. Beige offers a warm, inviting feel, while Chestnut adds a modern, sophisticated touch.
All of the suppliers of aggregate stone have different names for the same colours so contact us or your installer for a sample before you decide which to go for.
Remember, what you choose won’t only affect your driveway’s appearance but also its maintenance. Darker gravel, for instance, are less likely to show stains and wear, making them a practical choice for high-traffic areas.
Did you know that a well-maintained drive can last up to 25 years? That’s right, it’s all in your hands. You’re the keeper of your driveway’s longevity and its visual appeal. Maintenance is about regular cleaning, spotting damage early, and taking preventive measures. You’ve made a smart investment in a new driveway, now let’s make sure you’re getting the most out of it.
Regular Cleaning Techniques
The regular cleaning of your resin driveway isn’t as daunting as you might think. In fact, it’s quite straightforward if you know the correct techniques. The first step is to sweep off any loose debris. You’ll be surprised at how much this simple task can improve the look of your driveway.
Next, you’ll want to rinse the driveway with a garden hose. This will help to remove any lingering dust or dirt. If you come across any stubborn stains, don’t panic. A solution of warm water and a mild detergent should do the trick. Just be sure not to use any harsh chemicals, as they can damage the resin.
Finally, give the driveway a good scrub with a stiff brush. This will help to dislodge any dirt that’s stuck in the resin. Remember, regular maintenance is key to keeping your driveway looking its best.
Preventative Cleaning Measures And Tips
To keep your resin driveway in top-notch condition, you’ll need to adopt some preventive measures and follow a few handy tips. Regular cleaning is essential. Sweep off leaves, twigs, and other debris to prevent stains and maintain the driveway’s aesthetic appeal. Use a gentle power wash every few months to eradicate grime and fungus.
It’s also important to protect your driveway from heavy loads. Resin bound systems are durable but not designed to withstand extreme weights, such as large trucks or construction equipment. If heavy vehicles need to be parked, use protective boards to distribute the weight evenly.
Key Benefits of Resin Bound Surfacing
Below are some of the more important benefits of installing a resin bound surface for your driveway, path or patio at your property.
- Extend your home with a unique seemless driveway
- SUDS compliant
- No planning permission required
- Very low maintenance - Easy to maintain
- Extremely durable and very long lasting (25 years +)
- Wheelchair friendly - Smooth Surface
- Quick installation
- Eco-Friendly
- Increased property value
- Weed resistant
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutley you can, the only caveat to this is that the original surface must be in good standing, if it has a few cracks thats ok as they can be repaired, this is also a less expensive way of completing an install as you already have the initial base and sub-base installed.
No not at all if you are having a full excavation, this is where you completely dig out the ground and backfill with compacted hardcore, install an open grade porous tarmac sub-base then lay the resin bound aggregate on top of that.
This installation is completely SUDS compliant as the rainwater runs back into the water table and not on the road and path
Properly installed and maintained resin bound paving can last 25 years +
Cleaning and maintaining is as simple as warm soapy water and a stiff brush or a pressure washer set on a low to medium pressure to keep the driveway looking pristine.
Unlike block paving you do not get weeds and moss growing through so upkeep is at a minimum.
The only way your resin driveway will fade is if the installer has not used the UV stable type of resin, this type is known as Aliphatic and will not fade in direct sunlight unlike its cheaper cousin Aromatic resin non-UV which can fade or discolour in as little as a few days.
This is a great question and an easy one to answer, they come in thousands upon thousands of colours. The reason for this is you can mix and match your aggregates to create your very own unique blend, you could have the only drive in the world with that shade of resin bound gravel.